WINFIELD – A mother is seeking the court's permission to settle and compromise a tort claim after her diabetic daughter was allegedly given an overdose of insulin by a school nurse.
Tara Arthur filed a petition on Dec. 16 in Putnam Circuit Court against Winfield Elementary alleging negligence in the medical attention which her daughter received.
According to the complaint, Arthur's daughter is a student at Winfield Elementary School. On Nov. 12, 2014, the 9-year-old girl went to the medical office in the school because of an elevated blood glucose level. The school nurse allegedly proceeded to treat the girl by "priming" the insulin pump while the pump was in the girl's arm. With this action, the nurse effectively overdosed the child, as the insulin in the pump was discharged into the girl's body. Following the incident, the child was transported to a nearby hospital so that she could be monitored following the overdose. The hospital visit incurred fees of more than $2,500.
The complaint states that AIG Insurance and the National Union Fire Insurance of Pittsburgh, which represents the Putnam County Board of Education, denies liability for the incident but has agreed to pay $12,500 to settle the claim if Arthur agrees to release any and all claims.
Arthur is represented by Duane J. Ruggier of Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown and Poe PLLC in Charleston.
Putnam Circuit Court Case number 15-C-288